An Insider's Guide to Tools
Basic Tools
When exploring Puppet Planet, it's important to have the proper tools to get the job done safely and right. You want the audience to see that your puppets are made with love and respect for the art of puppetry. I suggest going through the list below, checking off the tools you already have and finding those that you'll need. Once you have a good set of tools, organize them in something easy to carry around so you'll be prepared when inspiration strikes.
Scissors
Assemble a collection of scissors for different purposes. Don't cut fabric and plastic with the same scissors. Save your fabric scissors for cutting fabric, and they will stay sharp longer.
Needle—nose pliers
You'll find needle-nose pliers at any hardware store. The needle-nose is great for clamping down and holding hard-to-reach materials, and pulling the tip of a needle through fabric when you're sewing. Look for pliers with a wire cutter so you can cut and bend wires with the same tool.
Permanent ink marker
I use a permanent ink marker to trace patterns on paper, fabric and plastic because it doesn't rub off on your fingers. The markers come in a wide variety of colors so you can use them to put finishing touches on your puppets. For a unique effect, use a little rubbing alcohol with an applicator sponge to blend colors on foam rubber or fabrics.
Ruler
Your puppet will look more professional if it has symmetry. Use a ruler for tracing straight lines and measuring. Use a measuring tape for getting accurate measurements around angles and shapes.
Paintbrush
I use a paintbrush for paints that I can wash out. For all other paints and glues I use a foam brush because they are generally disposable. A foam brush is especially good at painting foam rubber.
Hole punch
A hole punch is safer to use than a drill. It makes a clean hole in cardboard and plastic. You can also create holes to lace things together with string. Try using a hole punch on black plastic or cardboard to make pupils for eyes.
Glue
You can find many different kinds of glue at your local craft stores. Read the labels to learn how to best use different types of glue. Find a glue that works for the surfaces you are using. For many of these projects, I use hot glue. It secures quickly and easily. See for more safety tips when using a glue gun.
Contact cement
Contact cement is available at hardware stores and some grocery stores. It works quickly and holds tightly I use a foam wedge to apply contact cement to both sides of what I want glued, then press the surfaces together. Work in a well-ventilated area, and keep the cement away from your skin.
Cable ties
Drill or punch holes in your materials and lash them together with cable ties, which can be found at hardware stores. Then you won't need to use messy glue.
Drill
Nothing makes a better hole in some materials than a drill. If you can, use a vise to secure the material. If a vise isn't available, then make sure you're drilling on a flat, protected surface. A Dremel is a rotary tool that can also be used as a drill, and can be found at your local hardware store. See for more information on using a Dremel to smooth foam.
Electric carving knife
This useful foam-carving tool is hard to find except around Thanksgiving. I try to find electric knives with long blades because you don't want to stifle your creativity by only being able to cut thin pieces of foam. Be careful using the electric knife. What can carve a turkey can also carve your skin.